Three companies settle federal suit over smoke bombs used in 2020 California gender-reveal fire

Three companies that designed, imported, and marketed smoke bombs used at a 2020 gender-reveal party in Yucaipa, California, reached a settlement with the federal government last week. The companies will pay more than $4 million for firefighting costs and damage to federal land, according to federal prosecutors.

Wholesale Fireworks Corp. and its subsidiary American Fireworks Warehouse LLC agreed to pay $4 million; Pink or Blue Gender Team Inc. agreed to pay $50,000. The settlement resolves a 2023 federal lawsuit alleging the companies failed to safely design and label the devices and failed to warn customers of fire risk despite knowing the hazards.

Surveillance video showed a person lighting a pyrotechnic smoke device at El Dorado Ranch Park on September 5, 2020. The device ignited dry grass and the fire burned for more than two months. The blaze scorched nearly 23,000 acres, destroyed structures, and killed firefighter Charles Morton.

Refugio Manuel Jimenez Jr. and Angelina Renee Jimenez pleaded guilty in 2024 to criminal charges connected to the fire and the firefighter’s death. The couple was ordered to pay more than $1.7 million in restitution. Jimenez received two years of felony probation, one year in county jail, and community service; his wife received one year of summary probation and community service.

Legal context and prior cases Federal prosecutors said the two smoke bombs should not have been sold into California, where such devices are illegal. The settlement is based on a failure-to-warn claim under product-liability law. Legal experts note that lawsuits against manufacturers remain uncommon compared with cases against utilities.